The Rail Budget presented by Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee in Parliament on Wednesday has received mixed reactions from the commuters in Mumbai.
Welcoming the budget, several commuters have expressed happiness about the fare being kept unchanged and also introduction of new trains in the next financial year.
"It is good to see that there is no increase in fares which is good news for the common man," Manipal Negi a western railway commuter said.
"The budget looks good, as new train services are introduced, the crowd will be less and so in turn the casualties will also come down. Also, the number of outstation trains have increased, concessions for cancer patients," Shefali Parab, another commuter said.
However, a few commuters were not very happy with the budget saying the promises were not kept by the railway ministry with regards to security. They also said instead of just promising new trains they should increase the speed of existing trains.
"Security is still a major issue. Even after the 7/11 train blast, the city witnessed terror attack at CST station on November 26. Adequate number of security personnel should be deployed at all stations and inside the trains. Latest technology must be installed at all stations," Prasana Partha, a manager with a private firm, said.
"Instead of increasing the trains, more railway lines should be laid. There is also need for additional special trains for ladies and one entire coach should be reserved as first class compartment for the fairer sex," Jagruti Sawai, an employee with a private bank said.
"A separate compartment must be there for students as they find difficulty in travelling during peak hours," Sawai said.
"The budget has nothing for the common man. As the prices of all commodities have shot up, the railway ministry should have been brought in some relief in the fares. Before introducing additional services, the ministry must look into the speed and frequency of the trains," Binny Sarin, a teacher said.
"It is sad to see that Mumbai that contributes maximum to the country's growth is treated in a biased way. The trains running in Delhi offer better services and also the stations, hygiene and other infrastructure are well maintained there.
While, Mumbai seems to be far behind," Parag Dave, a consultant with a private firm said.
Indian industry pleased with rail budget
India Inc on Wednesday welcomed the Railway Budget for sparing freight and passenger fares from any hike and said that it also provided opportunities for private sector to participate in the world's fifth largest transport network.
"I think it provides for much bigger involvement of the private sector. It is welcome," FICCI President Harsh Pati Singhania said.
Assocham described it as "people and industry friendly" since there is no increase in passenger and freight rates. Presenting the Railway Budget for 2010-11, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee asked business houses to build partnerships with Railways that employs about 14 lakh people.
A special task force will be set up for early clearance of projects, Banerjee said, adding that Railways will start six water bottling plants in places like Ambala, Farakka, Nashik, Thiruvananthapuram and Amethi to provide clean and cheap drinking water to passengers.
Railways would also develop 10 automobile hubs, she said.
CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee said: "It is our belief that this would give the right signals to investors in India and abroad to look at Indian Railways in a new light."
However, Assocham President Swati Piramal said: "A clear roadmap for seeking private partnership in railways for it's modernisation and expansion should have been rolled out."
